May 14, 2026

ASI Webinar: 2026 Wool Market Update

This new educational webinar provided sheep producers with a fast-paced update on current wool markets and how shifting demand is influencing value across the supply chain. Designed with practical, producer-focused insight, the program highlights how wool moves through key processing systems, what quality factors matter most to buyers, and what is driving pricing in 2026.

ASI is working year-round to advance producer priorities across the country. Here’s what’s happening, what it means, and what’s next.

ASI’s New Executive Director Visits DC

This week, the American Sheep Industry’s (ASI) new Executive Director, Mike Michener, hit the road and spent the week in Washington, DC. The trip focused heavily on introductory meetings on Capitol Hill, including discussions with both House and Senate Agriculture Committees to highlight ASI priorities and underscore the importance of a reauthorized farm bill for the domestic sheep industry. While in town, Michener also engaged extensively with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, meeting with officials from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing and Regulatory Programs, and the Agricultural Marketing Service to discuss wool and lamb markets, trade, and disease prevention. His visit also included interactions with House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson, as well as broader engagement with allied agriculture organizations, helping position ASI and its leadership as an active and collaborative voice in Washington.

Your weekly snapshot of key market rates and reports (U.S. and global) to help you stay ahead of pricing and demand shifts.

Wool Markets See Some Increases, Some Decreases

This week, the EMI posted increases ($0.03 to $0.15 per pound clean basis) in the coarser microns and saw decreases (-$0.03 to -$0.13) in the finer microns. Even with some decreases, prices remain very strong. 

About the EMI: The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) is the key benchmark index of Australian wool auction prices and is widely used as a global wool market indicator.

Source: AWEX

LDP Payments Available This Week

Graded Wool, Clean Prices in $ Per Pound

Ungraded Wool, Grease Prices in $ Per Pound

Unshorn Pelts, Prices in $ Per Pelt

Note: Producers must visit their Farm Service Agency office and fill out the appropriate paperwork before the wool or unshorn lambs are sold to claim the Wool LDP (when available). 

USDA Weekly Sheep, Lamb, & Wool Market Summary

The report is generally updated on Friday afternoon.

ASI Wool Calculator

Adjust micron, yield and quality of wool percentage with ASI's Wool Calculator to estimate the value of your wool today, or the potential value of wool if genetics or management practices were changed.

June 6 - 2026 Hawaii Sheep & Goat Association Annual Meeting, click here for more info.

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